Jemico red Russian Strop extremely rigid

Hi All, after being taught to shave with a straight razor 30 years ago by my Grandfather, I deceided to return to the craft, I purchased the necessary supplies, bought a Boker "Red Injun" from a forum member, and a new Dovo 5/8ths, along with a Jemico red Russian strop (I will pick up a Tony Miller strop after the first of the year, but wanted to re-learn my skills first, so if I cut the jemico, I wouldnt worry about it too much).

anyway, as to the jemico, upon receiving it I was very disappointed, My grandfathers strops were very thick and heavy, the quality was (in my memory) great. The jemico came very thin, cheap stitching, and a very flimsy handle.

additionally, even when laid on a flat surface the strop was not flat, the edges were very high and it was cupped. I tried a rolling pin, but it did nothing. I then began to roll the leather between my fingers (like rolling a cigarette) and found that after about 30 minutes, it finally softened up enough to lay flat, and i was able to stop my razor.

I assume that they must have treated this strop somehow, to make it so stiff, as i was rolling it white specks (like dandruff) fell from the corse backside, has anyone else experienced this? I searched but found no similar posts.

Don't know about the flakes but I 'm sure someone will pop in with feedback. Other things to consider is rubbing the strop with the heel of you hand, Neet's Foot Oil and/or rubbing the strop with a smooth glass bottle. All of my strops are vintage and I've used at least one of the above on them to bring them back to life. Good luck. :gl:

p.s. Let me know what you think on Tony's strop when you purchase one. All feedback I've read is good and Tony would jump in with your answer if he wasn't vacationing.

My first strop was a jemco red Russian. As I recall it was very stiff but it was perfectly flat. I used it for quite a while and it seemed to do the job. Different strops and different leathers will vary from butter soft to almost like cardboard but as long as the surface is smooth and uniform it should do the job. I agree that vintage strops were better quality than the new offerings in general. You should be very happy with Tony's products they are real quality I have a couple.

Thanks for the replies guys ! after "kneading" it a little more today, it is now very flat, I stropped the boker, and have embarked on my journey.

Thanks again

Almost every new strop I get goes through the treatment - waterless cleanser and a pumice stone to clean and flatten, then neat's foot oil to keep it soft and smooth. The Dovo red russian is a bargain strop that develops a lovely smooth hard surface after a while.

Chris